The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Division of Public Health will celebrate the annual Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week, May 20-26.

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By Staff Reports

Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times

By Staff Reports

Posted May. 20, 2013 at 4:53 PM

By Staff Reports
Posted May. 20, 2013 at 4:53 PM

Dover, Del.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Division of Public Health will celebrate the annual Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week, May 20-26.

This year, the focus will be on swimmer hygiene and the need for swimmers to take an active role in helping to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs. According to the CDC, recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks and more.

Here is a list of tips for protection:

- Shower with soap before you start swimming

- Don't swim when you have diarrhea

- Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes

- Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers

- Don't swallow the water in which you are swimming

-Change diapers in the bathroom or diaper‐changing area and not at poolside where germs can rinse into the water

- Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes or check diapers every 30–60 minutes